Fort Calhoun
1st November 1834
Genl C. Gratiot
Chief Engineer
Washington D.C.
Sir
I have the honor to report that the operations of the Engineer Department at this place for the past month, have consisted in the reception & proper distribution of Materials for the Work. It is believed that the whole quantity of stone called for this year, will have been received before the end of the current month. When is not otherwise directed, operations will be suspended for the Winter, & the Force discharged.
I remain Sir
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
R. E. Lee
Lt. Engs
The Chesapeake in her way to Washn last Wednes (29th) would not allow herself to be boarded & consequently the Drawing could not be returned, I will endeavor to get it aboard tomorrow.
R. E. Lee
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 3, M2009.183, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2015 September 2